Do French Bulldogs Shed?

If you’re planning to get a French Bulldog, the subject of French Bulldog shedding is probably on your mind. I’m here to say that since they’re so short-haired, they don’t shed as much as some dog breeds. I’m a long time Frenchie owner myself and have never once taken any of mine to the groomers. However, I do run an occasional brush on my Augie and the furniture that he likes to lie on.

Do French Bulldogs Shed?

Yes, French Bulldogs definitely do shed.  They’re very short-haired so they don’t shed as much as some dog breeds but they do shed. Their hair may not be as noticeable on clothes or furniture because it is so fine. 

However, to answer the question of how much do French Bulldogs shed, it’s yearlong. However, they do lose their undercoat in the spring and fall. A grooming mitt and/or a stripping comb can come in very handy at this time.

French Bulldogs Shed More In The Summer

For the summer, your French Bulldog will shed more as it’s a necessary survival thing to prevent them from overheating. As a result, it helps to decrease the risks of health complications, such as heatstroke. Then during the fall, their body winterizes itself by shedding the lighter summer undercoat in order to grow the thicker one. Blowing coat is another name for seasonal shedding.

What To Do About Excessive French Bulldog Shedding

There is always a chance that the shedding could get excessive. For example, it can get excessive if you give your Frenchie too much people food or the wrong diet. Most Frenchies need a diet high in Omega 3 fatty acids. Some occasional fruits are okay as well. They need a diet that is full of lean proteins, some carbohydrates and a small variety of fruits and vegetables. The latter keeps their coats shiny.

A lack of the fruit, vegetable and mineral combination can leave their hair dull, dry and easy to pull. Corn proteins are also known to cause a lot of allergies in Frenchies. Eggs, oily meat and greasy chicken are known to irritate the skin. Beta Carotene is a good addition for Frenchies because it has the same effect on their coat that it does on your skin.

Make sure that your dog’s diet containers don’t contain the word “byproduct” anywhere. You should also never feed processed foods to your dog. They are hardly good for you and a lot of Frenchies are allergic to the fillers.

Also, skin and other health issues, such as metabolic disorders, can cause the shedding rate to change. If your Frenchie is shedding more than expected and you can’t figure out why, I would advise you to contact your local veterinarian as soon as possible.

How Does the Undercoat Work?

Every dog, including Frenchies, shed dead or damaged hair. Most dogs’ coats are similar to a tall floral arrangement. In that kind of arrangement, the smaller greens and flowers surround and support the taller ones. Similarly, the undercoat’s hairs surround and support your dog’s main hairs. They are also shorter and softer than the main hairs.

How to Deal with Your French Bulldog Shedding

You will probably not need to take your Frenchie to groomers, although you can consult one for the best grooming tools to use. The most important thing that you can do is keep your dog well-groomed in order to prevent skin issues down the road.

One prevention measure is to bathe your dog on a monthly basis. These days, maybe a little more during the summer. Oatmeal shampoo is often best for keeping their coats shiny and healthy. Some coats may need a little more than just a grooming mitt or comb. If so and you’re really not sure what, you can always ask your local veterinarian or groomer for advice.

You will also need to ensure that your Frenchie isn’t having any allergy or flea issues. Especially within the first week that you adopt your Frenchie, you should get it checked for fleas and allergies. Your veterinarian may recommend anti-flea coat medicine, such as Frontline. However, if you prefer to be more holistic, you can use at-home remedies like a bowl of dish soap in the area that tends to attract the most fleas.

You also need to vacuum your carpets and furniture at least once a week. Be sure to do it as diligently as you can so that the hair already shed won’t be a health risk to your Frenchie.

Last but not least, be sure to keep your dog well-groomed at all times.

What Else to Do About Your Frenchie’s Shedding

Especially if you regularly have guests over, one thing you can do is invest in furniture throws. They are removable and often make a comfortable spot for your Frenchie to lie on.

If you’re not going to use oatmeal shampoo, hypoallergenic shampoos and/or natural bathing salts are recommended. The first is friendly for thin, sensitive skin and the second won’t sting their eyes or irritate their skin. If you do choose to use a conditioner, use one with Vitamin E in it. Since they’re designed to make your dog’s coat shine, they’re rubbed in after you bathe your dog but before drying. Water-free pet grooming foam is also an option.

When bathing your Frenchie, always be sure to dry it. Otherwise, some of the stubborn dirt and grime might not be removed. Hair dryers are usually not recommended. While they might not mind the heat, they will probably not like the noise. Dryers can also leave their coat looking very dull. Cotton towels are better than hairdryers but microfiber towels are usually best. Microfiber can actually loosen and remove dirt and grime, even between the toes.

Do be careful not to bathe your dog too often. Otherwise, it will lose its Vitamin D and other essential oils. Twice a month is usually good enough.

When choosing your brush and/or comb, go easy. Never invest in something with long and hard bristles as those make most Frenchies uncomfortable. Instead, get something with short bristles or silicone, like the grooming glove. The latter also simultaneously gives your dog a good massage.

How To Manage French Bulldog Shedding In Your Car

If you regularly take your Frenchie out for car rides, one of the best things that you can invest in is a dog waterproof car seat. The side flaps also help to keep your Frenchie safely in the seat box and prevent your dog from falling out or getting thrashed around while you drive. Be sure to drive slowly, however. Unless you’re traveling or moving with it, I wouldn’t recommend taking your Frenchie on long trips.

You can also invest in special clothes for your Frenchie, they can catch the hair and then you can launder them. Clothes are preferable for Frenchies all year around because of their delicate skin. However, be careful that you’re keeping up with the seasonal changes. Sweaters, for example, prevent hypothermia in the winter but can cause overheating in the summer. A Frenchie’s super-thin coat makes it very easy to get hypothermic in cold weather. T-shirts are better in the warmer months. Finding the right size for Frenchie can be a difficult since they’re so small. However, there are plenty of stores online, such as Frenchie Shop, that have what you need.

If the Shedding Becomes Excessive

Other health issues that can result in excessive shedding in Frenchies include:

-Infections, whether fungal or bacterial

-Allergies

-A diseased liver, kidney, thyroid or adrenal glands

-Pregnancy and lactation

-Medications

-Excessive licking

-Cancer or autoimmune diseases

-Sunburn or any other types of burns

-Contact with chemicals that are irritating or, worse, caustic

In the case of pregnancy and lactation, there’s not much you can do except to wait for it to recover after the puppies are weaned. Excessive shedding occurs during pregnancy due to hormonal fluctuations in estrogen and testosterone.

Similarly, the adrenaline rush behind extreme stress can cause temporary excessive shedding as well. This is after exposure to excessively loud noises such as fireworks, home repairs or any other loud noises that your Frenchie doesn’t understand.

Otherwise, just keep doing whatever you can to prevent it. In that case, the time it’s time to visit your local veterinarian if your Frenchie shows:

-Fresh skin irritation, such as a rash or scabs

-Any form of open sores

-Bald spots or excessive coat thinning

-Excessive scratching, foot licking or face rubbing

-Dull and brittle hair that pulls out too easily even though you’ve tried switching shampoos several times

Summary – Do French Bulldogs Shed?

The short answer to the question, do French Bulldogs shed, is yes. However, the answer to the question, how much do French Bulldogs shed, is another matter entirely.

Unless it’s a female that’s currently pregnant, your Frenchie shouldn’t be shedding that much. If it is, the diet is the first thing that you should rule out. If that’s not it, it could be the shampoos or even cleaning products that you use around your home. It could be fleas or some other insect bites. You will need to keep a close watch on that if your home is particularly vulnerable to pests. If your dog takes any medications, you will want to rule that out with your veterinarian. Or once you have ruled everything else mentioned above out, it’s time to see your veterinarian.

Remember, some shedding is healthy and necessary. In fact if your dog isn’t shedding at all, it’s time to see the veterinarian.

Most owners have said that their Frenchies definitely tend to shed slightly more in the summer months. This makes perfect sense since the winter undercoat is thicker. Most actually do shed a little year round, it’s just that they do so the most in the spring and early fall.

Genetics can also be another factor. Another answer to the question, how much do French Bulldogs shed, is that purebred Frenchies don’t shed as much as the mixed breeds. Frenchie puppies also tend to shed more than the adults.

Yes, the shedding can be an annoyance. But it’s not as if you have to get obsessive-compulsive and vacuum everywhere every day. However, it is well to give the places that your dog hangs out the most a quick daily brush- or comb-over so that the shed hair doesn’t re-stick to your dog.

Aside from basic shedding, your Frenchie’s wrinkles need to be cleaned regularly as well. Food particles, dirt and grime get trapped in them very easily. Taking a few wet wipes or a small towel to them should do. If you don’t, they could become infected. It’s also advisable to clean their paws and toes after a walk, especially in the winter months. They’re sensitive to street salts in particular this winter booties are a good idea.

PS – Did you know Fluffy French Bulldogs are a thing?  For these long-haired French Bulldogs they definitely do shed more than their short-haired cousins.  

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